India leave Sarfaraz Khan out of Galle playing XI despite squad recall

India omitted Sarfaraz Khan from the playing XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle despite recalling him as a replacement for injured batter Sai Sudharsan. Dhruv Jurel was preferred in the lower middle order alongside regular wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. Captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat first with a familiar line-up that included three spinners. Kuldeep Yadav was included ahead of uncapped Saransh Jain, while Prasidh Krishna partnered Mohammed Siraj in the pace attack. The Galle pitch offered an even grass cover and was not expected to turn sharply from day one. Sri Lanka handed a debut to off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha in place of injured batters Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka.